Auto experts: Competition, politics, fading subsidies could affect Michigan EV sales
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Global competition, uncertainty about policy changes in an election year and the fading impact from federal subsidies all loom as emerging issues for the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) industry. Those were among the messages Wednesday as dozens of automotive experts filled a conference room near downtown Detroit on Wednesday for the […]
Supreme Court dispute could have big impact on Michigan environment
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) It began with a debate about how to dispose of the copious manure generated by Michigan’s largest livestock operations, which raise chickens, pigs and cows by the hundreds and thousands. But the legal fight has since reached Michigan’s highest court, with potentially far-reaching implications for the state’s ability to limit […]
Twenty companies pledge to use all parts of Great Lakes fish by 2025
by Shealyn Paulis, Great Lakes Echo (Bridge Michigan) Fish-leather purses and wallets may make their way into Great Lakes fashion with an initiative to use 100% of commercially caught fish by 2025. One of the latest projects of a binational Great Lakes organization is to fully use the region’s whitefish, lake trout, yellow perch, walleye, […]
Clean-powered buses on the way for Michigan schools, fueled by grants
by Janelle D. James (Bridge Michigan) Michigan school districts are making the transition to clean-powered school buses in line with the state’s effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become carbon neutral. Detroit, Lansing and Pontiac public schools will each receive a $5,925,000 grant to buy 15 clean-powered school buses, from President Biden’s Clean School Bus […]
Delis, milkshakes and liquor: How gas stations aim to survive in Michigan
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) Will electric vehicles and other mobility changes kill Michigan’s 5,000 gas stations? Some larger chains are betting that custom deli counters, milkshake machines, 24-hour kitchens, additional vape flavors — and perhaps even liquor sales — will forestall the demise of gas stations as they evolve into larger, more innovative convenience […]
Flu, respiratory illnesses, other crud make this misery season in Michigan
by Robin Erb (Bridge Michigan) Sara McCray is tired of it — the nagging, dry cough that pops up unexpectedly at the grocery story or a staff meeting at her school. It has been weeks, the Warren special education teacher said: “And I become that person — everyone is fearful to be around you, like you’re going […]
Experts: Michigan’s economy is ‘strong and stable’
by Lauren Gibbons (Bridge Michigan) After years of pandemic disruptions, record-setting surpluses and economic highs and lows, Michigan’s tax revenue is stabilizing — and the state’s top financial officials and economic experts view that as good news. The state is expected to bring in $31.5 billion in tax revenue in the current fiscal year, slightly […]
Group launches campaign to overturn Michigan solar siting law
by Kelly House (Bridge Michigan) Opponents of a new law that gives the state authority to override local rejections of large wind and solar projects have announced a ballot initiative to challenge the law. A group called Citizens for Local Choice said Thursday it is finalizing the language of a proposed ballot petition, aiming to bring […]
Michigan football poised to make millions for university from championship game
by Paula Gardner (Bridge Michigan) The University of Michigan Wolverines will fight for the College Football Playoff National Championship Monday night, but no matter the outcome of the game, the university has likely already won big. The team’s No. 1 ranking, combined with the brand enhancement the university gains from the football squad’s success, goes far beyond […]
West Michigan officials expanding use of wrong-way detectors to save lives
by Janelle D. James (Bridge Michigan) Hoping to avoid deadly collisions, Michigan transportation and police officials plan to add new wrong-way detection systems to a busy stretch of highway in Grand Rapids — an effort that transportation officials around the state are watching with interest. The high-tech systems, attached to existing “Wrong Way” or “Do […]
